The celebration of life in the Maltese antiphons dedicated to Our Lady and other saints

Abstract

In the Maltese Islands, from the Prehistoric to the Christian era and to nowadays, the inhabitants of these islands have uninterruptedly promoted and celebrated life. Looking back at prehistoric times, we see the emphasis on the cult of fertility going till Bronze period, coming to the Phoenician era with the cult of Astarte - the female goddess of divinity dominating the islands till we come into the Christian era. Now the Christians look to Christ, Mary the mother of Christ and the Apostles as the true celebration of life unified in the belief of one God. How to promote this Christian celebration of life? The Maltese people from the medieval ages have always held in high esteem their village feast, especially the liturgical functions that happen in the Church.